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Compressed Nerve In The Knee

Compressed Nerve In The Knee

A nerve becomes pinched/compressed when added pressure is placed on it by surrounding structures that can include muscles, bones, ligaments, tendons, or a combination. This injures and damages the nerve causing function problems and symptoms and sensations in that area or other parts of the body that are supplied by that nerve. Medical practitioners refer to this as nerve compression or entrapment. Although compressed nerves are more commonly associated with the neck, arms, hands, elbows, and lower back, any nerve in the body can experience irritation, spasms, inflammation, and compression. The causes and treatment of a compressed nerve in the knee.

Compressed Nerve In The Knee

Compressed Nerve In The Knee

There’s only one nerve that goes through the knee that has an increased risk of getting compressed. It’s a branch of the sciatic nerve called the peroneal nerve. The nerve goes around the outside of the knee before traveling down the outside of the lower leg. At the bottom of the knee, it lies between the bone and skin, making it vulnerable to irritation or compression by anything that can put pressure on the outside of the knee.

Causes

Traumatic injuries over time can lead to pressure on the nerve from inside the knee. Common causes of a compressed nerve in the knee include:

Frequently Crossing Legs

  • Compression by the opposite knee, while the legs are crossed is the most common cause.

Knee Brace

  • A too-tight or strong brace can compress the leg and nerve.

Thigh-High Compression Stockings

  • Designed to maintain pressure on the legs, if too tight these stockings can compress the nerve.

Squatting Posture For Long Periods

  • This position places pressure on the side of the knee.

Fractures

  • A fracture of the large lower leg bone/tibia or sometimes the small bone/fibula near the knee can entrap the nerve.

Lower Leg Cast

  • The portion of the cast around the knee can be tight and compress the nerve.
  • Tell the doctor if a cast or brace feels tight or is causing numbness or pain in the leg.

Knee-High Boots

  • The top of a boot can land right below the knee and be too tight pinching the nerve.

Knee Ligament Injury

  • The nerve can become compressed due to bleeding or inflammation from an injured ligament.

Knee Surgery Complications

  • This is rare, but the nerve can inadvertently get pinched during knee replacement surgery or an arthroscopic procedure.

Prolonged Bed Rest

  • When lying down the legs tend to rotate outward and the knees flex.
  • In this position, the mattress can place pressure on the nerve.

Tumors or Cysts

  • Tumors or cysts can develop right on top or next to a nerve irritating and compressing the area.

Abdominal or Gynecologic Surgery

  • The equipment used to keep the legs rotated outward and the knees flexed for gynecologic and abdominal surgeries can compress the nerve.

Symptoms

The peroneal nerve supplies sensation and movement to the outside of the lower leg and the top of the foot. When compressed, it becomes inflamed, which causes the symptoms of a compressed nerve. Usually, only the lining/myelin sheath around the nerve is what gets injured. However, when the nerve gets damaged, the symptoms are similar but more severe. Common symptoms include:

  • Weakness that limits the ability to lift the foot toward the leg aka dorsiflexion.
  • This causes dragging the foot when walking.
  • The ability to turn the foot outward and extend the big toe is also affected.
  • Symptoms can be felt on the outside of the lower leg and on the top of the foot and include:
  • Tingling or pins and needles sensations.
  • Numbness.
  • Loss of sensation.
  • Pain.
  • Burning.
  • For individuals that have had a pinched nerve for two or more weeks, the muscles supplied by the nerve can begin to waste away or atrophy.
  • Symptoms can be intermittent or continuous depending on the cause.
  • The other common cause is a pinched nerve in the lumbar/lower spine.
  • When this is the cause, sensations, and pain will present in the lower back or the back and outside of the thigh.

Diagnosis

A doctor will look at medical history and perform an examination to make a diagnosis, determine the cause, and lay out a personalized treatment plan. The nerve in the knee can be felt as it travels around the top of the tibia, so a doctor may tap on it. If there is shooting pain down the leg, a pinched nerve may be present. Tests a doctor may order can include:

Knee X-ray

  • Shows any bone fractures or abnormal masses.

Knee MRI

  • Can confirm the diagnosis
  • Shows masses within the nerve.
  • Shows details of fractures or other problems in the bones.

Electromyogram – EMG

  • Tests electrical activity in the muscles.

Nerve Conduction Test

  • Tests the signal speed of the nerve.

Treatment

Treatment is aimed at reducing pain and improving mobility.

Over-the-Counter Pain Medication

  • OTC medication can reduce inflammation and improve symptoms short term.

Ice and Heat

  • Applying either heat or ice for 15 to 20 minutes at a time can provide relief from the symptoms.
  • An ice pack can make symptoms worse if it adds more pressure on the nerve.

Chiropractic and Physical Therapy

  • Chiropractic and physical therapy can release the compressed nerve, realign the structures, strengthen the muscles, and provide gait training.

Orthotic Boot

  • If walking gait is affected because the foot cannot bend, an orthotic boot can help.
  • This is a support that maintains the foot in a neutral position to walk normally.

Corticosteroid Injection

  • A corticosteroid injection can reduce inflammation and relieve pressure on the nerve.

Surgery

  • The nerve can suffer permanent damage if it has been pinched for a long time.
  • If that happens, surgery cannot repair the damage.
  • A doctor can perform surgery to correct a fracture, tumor, or other invasive problem causing a compressed nerve.
  • If conservative treatment doesn’t work, a peroneal nerve decompression procedure can be done to remove the pressure.
  • If surgery is needed, symptoms can disappear immediately, but it takes around four months to recover and rehabilitate.

Injury Rehabilitation


References

Krych, Aaron J et al. “Is peroneal nerve injury associated with worse function after knee dislocation?.” Clinical orthopedics and related research vol. 472,9 (2014): 2630-6. doi:10.1007/s11999-014-3542-9

Lezak B, Massel DH, Varacallo M. Peroneal Nerve Injury. [Updated 2022 Nov 14]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK549859/

Soltani Mohammadi, Sussan, et al. “Comparing the squatting position and traditional sitting position for ease of spinal needle placement: a randomized clinical trial.” Anesthesiology and pain medicine vol. 4,2 e13969. 5 Apr. 2014, doi:10.5812/aapm.13969

Stanitski, C L. “Rehabilitation following knee injury.” Clinics in sports medicine vol. 4,3 (1985): 495-511.

Xu, Lin, et al. Zhongguo gu Shang = China Journal of Orthopedics and Traumatology vol. 33,11 (2020): 1071-5. doi:10.12200/j.issn.1003-0034.2020.11.017

Yacub, Jennifer N et al. “Nerve injury in patients after hip and knee arthroplasties and knee arthroscopy.” American Journal of physical medicine & Rehabilitation vol. 88,8 (2009): 635-41; quiz 642-4, 691. doi:10.1097/PHM.0b013e3181ae0c9d

Pinched Nerve Duration: El Paso Back Clinic

Pinched Nerve Duration: El Paso Back Clinic

A pinched, compressed, overly stretched, twisted, and entangled nerve can happen throughout the body. The most common locations are the neck, shoulder, upper back, upper chest, arm, elbow, hand, wrist, low back, legs, and feet. This disrupts the nerve’s ability to function properly. Each nerve stimulates muscles and detects sensations in specific areas of the skin or internal organs so they work properly. Common symptoms are tingling, numbness, pain, weakness, and musculoskeletal problems. The average pinched nerve duration can last a few days to as long as 4 to 6 weeks or, in some cases, longer, in which case individuals should see a doctor or neurologist. Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic can relieve, release, and restore nerve health.

Pinched Nerve Duration: EP's Chiropractic Injury Specialists

Pinched Nerve

A pinched nerve is caused by pressure from surrounding tissues that place added stress on it. Muscles, bones, cartilage, and tendons can all press, pull, or entangle a nerve. This can result in a loss of function, which can then lead to symptoms including:

  • Tingling
  • Numbness
  • Muscle weakness
  • Various types of pain – sharp, electrical, throbbing, aching, and radiating/spreading out to other areas.
  • Burning sensation
  • A pinched nerve can become serious, cause chronic pain conditions and lead to permanent nerve damage.
  • More severe cases may require surgery.

Pinched Nerve Duration

Pinched nerve duration depends on the injury, which can happen suddenly or gradually. A temporary case with an acute cause, such as injury or poor posture, can last several days. Cases related to chronic conditions, like arthritis, may last longer. Treatment, as well as recovery, also vary based on the location of the injury and what’s causing the pressure.

Body Locations

Neck

A pinched nerve in the neck can cause tingling sensations and pain, which can travel to the shoulders and arms. This type can be caused by:

  • Sleeping position
  • Repetitive movements
  • Injuries
  • The pain will usually ease within several days unless a chronic health condition is the cause of the pinching.

Lower back

A pinched nerve in the lower back is often brought on by herniated discs that compress nerve roots.

  • It may also be caused by arthritis or injuries.
  • Individuals may feel a sharp pain in the lower back, as well as in the buttocks and back of the leg.
  • Sciatica may be a symptom.
  • Lower back pain may be acute, lasting only a few days.
  • If the injury doesn’t resolve, it may cause chronic back pain that can last 12 weeks or more.

Leg

  • The legs can develop pinched nerves from herniated discs or injuries.
  • If left untreated can lead to peripheral neuropathy.
  • This can develop over several weeks or years.

Hip

A pinched nerve in the hip can last a few days if related to an injury. If the pain lasts longer than a few days, consult a doctor. Possible causes of chronic hip pain may include:

  • Obesity
  • Bone spurs
  • Arthritis

Shoulder

Shoulder pain brought on by a pinched nerve usually starts in the upper spine and is caused by:

  • Injury
  • Tendinitis
  • Arthritis
  • To tell if the pain symptoms are from a pinched nerve and not a muscle strain, the pain tends to occur in one shoulder, and there is a sharpness to the aches.
  • Left untreated, arthritis or tendinitis can lead to chronic pain that can come and go for several weeks, months, or years.

Wrist

Repetitive overuse is commonly linked to pinched nerves in the wrist.

  • Pinched nerves can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome – pain and numbness extending through the arm, hand, and fingers.
  • Pain lasting over two months could indicate other underlying conditions, like arthritis.

Chiropractic Relief

Chiropractic adjustments identify the impacted nerve/s and use various therapies to remove the compression, relieving symptoms and the injury or issue. A personalized treatment plan can include the following:


Sciatica During Pregnancy


References

Cornwall, R, and T E Radomisli. “Nerve injury in traumatic dislocation of the hip.” Clinical orthopedics and related research, 377 (2000): 84-91. doi:10.1097/00003086-200008000-00012

Dmytriv, Mariya, et al. “PT or cervical collar for cervical radiculopathy?.” The Journal of family practice vol. 59,5 (2010): 269-72.

Hochman, Mary G, and Jeffrey L Zilberfarb. “Nerves in a pinch: imaging of nerve compression syndromes.” Radiologic clinics of North America vol. 42,1 (2004): 221-45. doi:10.1016/S0033-8389(03)00162-3

Lopez-Ben, Robert. “Imaging of nerve entrapment in the foot and ankle.” Foot and ankle clinics vol. 16,2 (2011): 213-24. doi:10.1016/j.fcl.2011.04.001

Needham, C W. “Pinched nerves and signature signs.” Connecticut Medicine vol. 57,1 (1993): 3-7.

Siccoli, Alessandro, et al. “Tandem Disc Herniation of the Lumbar and Cervical Spine: Case Series and Review of the Epidemiological, Pathophysiological and Genetic Literature.” Cureus vol. 11,2 e4081. 16 Feb. 2019, doi:10.7759/cureus.4081

Shoulder Nerve Pain: El Paso Back Clinic

Shoulder Nerve Pain: El Paso Back Clinic

An acute injury or changes to the upper body over time can cause a compressed/pinched nerve in the shoulder. A pinched nerve in the shoulder happens when a muscle, ligament, tendon, or bone irritates or presses on a nerve exiting the neck. Shoulder nerve pain can develop from various sources, such as overuse work injuries, sports injuries, household chores, tendinitis, arthritis, torn cartilage, and other medical conditions, and injuries can contribute to symptoms. Chiropractors are highly qualified to treat pinched nerves. They are trained in whole-body realignment and rehabilitation techniques that find the root source and relieve pressure on compressed nerves.

Shoulder Nerve Pain: EP's Functional Chiropractic Clinic

Shoulder Nerve Pain

The shoulder joint is one of the most complex joints because of its wide range of motion. It is used so frequently that repetitive motion strain is common, often leading to injury. It is usually because of the continued use combined with an unhealed strain/injury that leads to shoulder nerve injury or when surrounding tissues like cartilage or tendons irritate or compress the nerves.

  • Pinched nerves also occur when a nerve root in the neck is damaged through wear and tear or an acute injury.
  • Individuals 50 years and older are likely to experience pinched nerves because of degeneration in the cervical spine and/or arthritis.
  • A nerve can become pinched when bone spurs form around the spinal discs.
  • Bone spurs are formations of bone that grow when discs weaken with age.
  • Bone spurs grow around the discs putting pressure on the nerve root.

Symptoms

Compressed Pinched Nerve/Cervical Radiculopathy

  • Pain sensations in the shoulder.
  • Tingling and/or pins and needles in fingers or hand.
  • Weakness in shoulder and arm muscles.

Symptoms have been known to overlap with shoulder arthritis, frozen shoulder, swimmer’s shoulder, or rotator cuff tears, so it’s always best to consult a chiropractor to understand possible causes. Other conditions with symptoms to compare:

Shoulder Arthritis

  • Stiffness in the joint.
  • Aching inside the shoulder.
  • Grinding when moving the joint.

Frozen Shoulder/Adhesive Capsulitis

  • Stiffness in the joint.
  • Pain in one shoulder.
  • Decreased range of motion and movement.

Swimmer’s Shoulder/Impingement

  • Pain and discomfort in the shoulder.
  • Weakness in the surrounding area.
  • Stiffness or tightness in the joint.
  • Impeded range of motion.

Rotator Cuff Tears

  • Pain and discomfort symptoms when moving the shoulder.
  • Weakness in the arm.
  • Deep aching sensations along the top and side of the joint.

Chiropractic Treatment

Chiropractors are experts on the neuromusculoskeletal system. First, a thorough medical examination will be conducted, including health history and regular activities, to understand the nature of the symptoms. Depending on the type of injury, tests, and exams may be needed to help diagnose and pinpoint the cause. Then the chiropractor will develop a personalized treatment plan. The objective is to relieve pressure and tension on the nerves and relax the muscles. In addition to adjusting the joint or other impacted areas, the therapy team will provide at-home exercises and stretches to maintain the adjustments and expedite healing.


Chiropractic Rehab


References

Kokkalis, Zinon T et al. “Nerve Injuries around the Shoulder.” Journal of long-term effects of medical implants vol. 27,1 (2017): 13-20. doi:10.1615/JLongTermEffMedImplants.2017019545

Leider, Joseph D et al. “Treatment of suprascapular nerve entrapment syndrome.” Orthopedic reviews vol. 13,2 25554. 11 Jul. 2021, doi:10.52965/001c.25554

Matzkin, Elizabeth, et al. “Swimmer’s Shoulder: Painful Shoulder in the Competitive Swimmer.” The Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons vol. 24,8 (2016): 527-36. doi:10.5435/JAAOS-D-15-00313

Neviaser, Andrew S, and Jo A Hannafin. “Adhesive capsulitis: a review of current treatment.” The American Journal of sports medicine vol. 38,11 (2010): 2346-56. doi:10.1177/0363546509348048

Safran, Marc R. “Nerve injury about the shoulder in athletes, part 1: suprascapular nerve and axillary nerve.” The American Journal of sports medicine vol. 32,3 (2004): 803-19. doi:10.1177/0363546504264582

Strakowski, Jeffrey A, and Christopher J Visco. “Diagnostic and therapeutic musculoskeletal ultrasound applications of the shoulder.” Muscle & Nerve vol. 60,1 (2019): 1-6. doi:10.1002/mus.26505

Cue Sports Injuries: El Paso Back Clinic

Cue Sports Injuries: El Paso Back Clinic

Cue sports use a cue stick to strike billiard balls off and around a pool or equivalent table. The most common game is pool. Although these are not contact sports, various musculoskeletal injuries can manifest. Therefore, it is recommended to know the common injuries so that they can be self-treated or treatment can be sought before the condition worsens. Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic can relieve symptoms, rehabilitate the body, and restore mobility and function.

Cue Sports Injuries: EP's Chiropractic Functional Wellness Team

Cue Sports Injuries

Sports medicine doctors say cue sports players suffer from sprains, strains, and fractures, among other injuries. Cue sports players are constantly:

  • Bending
  • Reaching
  • Twisting
  • Stretching their arms
  • Using their hands and wrists

Performing these constant movements and motions for extended periods increases the risk of sustaining injuries. Common symptoms include:

  • Inflammation
  • Warmth or heat in affected areas
  • Swelling
  • Tightness in the affected areas
  • Pain
  • Decreased range of motion

Injuries

Back and Waist

The posturing can cause individuals to tense their muscles, increasing the likelihood of injury. With all the bending, waist and back injuries are common. Back issues include:

  • Pinched nerves
  • Sciatica
  • Sprains
  • Strains
  • Herniated discs

Individuals with existing spine conditions or osteoarthritis have an increased risk of injury.

Shoulder, Arm, Wrist, Hand, and Finger

  • The shoulders, hands, wrists, and fingers are in constant use.
  • This can lead to overuse injuries affecting the muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, and bones.
  • Consistent stress can lead to sprains, strains, or bursitis.

Tendonitis

  • Tendonitis occurs when too much pressure is applied, causing tendons to inflame.
  • This could lead to swelling and pain and could lead to long-term damage.

Foot and Ankle

  • The feet can slip when stretching too far while setting up and taking a shot.
  • This injury usually happens when trying to balance on one foot.
  • Slipping can lead to a sprained ankle or something worse, like a torn ligament or fractured foot.

Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic adjustments combined with massage therapy and functional medicine can treat these injuries and conditions, relieving symptoms and restoring mobility and function. When the tendons, muscles, ligaments, and bones are properly aligned, recovery and rehabilitation progress faster. A chiropractor will also recommend stretching and exercise programs to help maintain the adjustments and prevent injuries.


Physical Therapy and Exercises


References

Garner, Michael J et al. “Chiropractic care of musculoskeletal disorders in a unique population within Canadian community health centers.” Journal of manipulative and physiological therapeutics vol. 30,3 (2007): 165-70. doi:10.1016/j.jmpt.2007.01.009

Hestbaek, Lise, and Mette Jensen Stochkendahl. “The evidence base for chiropractic treatment of musculoskeletal conditions in children and adolescents: The emperor’s new suit?.” Chiropractic & osteopathy vol. 18 15. 2 Jun. 2010, doi:10.1186/1746-1340-18-15

Orloff, A S, and D Resnick. “Fatigue fracture of the distal part of the radius in a pool player.” Injury vol. 17,6 (1986): 418-9. doi:10.1016/0020-1383(86)90088-4

Pinched Nerves and Muscle Spasms: El Paso Back Clinic

Pinched Nerves and Muscle Spasms: El Paso Back Clinic

Pinched Nerves and Muscle Spasms: A pinched or compressed nerve can occur in various body regions, from the wrist to the foot. When a nerve is compressed, a pins and needles feeling can present until the pressure is relieved, or there can be no sensation symptoms, but other symptoms like muscle spasms, especially in the arm or leg, can appear. Individuals will feel a repetitive fluttering or twitching when the arm or leg is not in motion. A pinched nerve could be the cause of spasms in the back or extremities. Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic can help if symptoms are not stopping or worsening.

Pinched Nerves and Muscle Spasms: EPs Chiropractic Team

Pinched Nerves and Muscle Spasms

When multiple symptoms appear, individuals may not realize they are connected. Individuals may think aches, pains, and spasms are normal aging processes. Pinched nerves occur when there is an impingement on any one of the numerous nerves of the spine. Impingements can be caused by:

  • Repetitive motion injuries
  • Disc degeneration
  • Herniated/ruptured discs
  • Bone spurs
  • Arthritis
  • Trauma injury

The pain symptoms from the spasm can be quick, sharp, or pulsating and throbbing. The muscles respond by tightening or spasming as the nerve sends interrupted/incomplete signals. In addition to muscle spasms, a pinched nerve can contribute to other symptoms, including the following.

  • Tingling
  • Numbness
  • Pins and needles sensation
  • Reduced range of motion
  • Muscle weakness

Signs a Pinched Nerve Might Be Causing Spasms

  • Sudden shooting pain that radiates down the leg or arm.
  • Weak muscles
  • Muscle atrophy – shrinking or deteriorating.
  • Chronic tingling in the extremities.
  • A burning sensation in a specific area; this could but is not necessarily the source of the pinched nerve.
  • Electrical shock-type pain accompanies the spasms.

If a pinched nerve is left untreated and continues to generate symptoms, it can affect daily life and lead to uncomfortable long-term issues. Severe nerve compression combined with inflammation can cause damage to nearby soft tissues and muscles, leading to chronic conditions. When the nerves are damaged, it can be harder to control the muscles making certain motions uncomfortable or difficult to move certain body parts.

Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic care, massage, and decompression therapy will relieve pinched nerves and muscle spasms and restore neuromusculoskeletal system function. The body will be realigned, and patients will be trained on stretching exercises, muscle strengthening, posture training, and nutritional support to optimize the body’s natural healing abilities to repair the damaged nerves.


Low Back Pain


References

Bustamante, S, and P G Houlton. “Swelling of the leg, deep venous thrombosis, and the piriformis syndrome.” Pain research & management vol. 6,4 (2001): 200-3. doi:10.1155/2001/104091

Chu, Eric Chun-Pu, and Robert J Trager. “Thoracic Schwannoma as an Unusual Cause of Sciatic Pain in the Chiropractic Office: A Case Report.” The American journal of case reports vol. 23 e938448. 16 Nov. 2022, doi:10.12659/AJCR.938448

Coletti, Roger H. “The ischemic model of chronic muscle spasm and pain.” European journal of translational myology vol. 32,1 10323. 18 Jan. 2022, doi:10.4081/ejtm.2022.10323

Hirayama, Jiro, et al. “Relationship between low-back pain, muscle spasm and pressure pain thresholds in patients with lumbar disc herniation.” The European spine journal: official publication of the European Spine Society, the European Spinal Deformity Society, and the European Section of the Cervical Spine Research Society vol. 15,1 (2006): 41-7. doi:10.1007/s00586-004-0813-2

Kennedy, John G, and Donald E Baxter. “Nerve disorders in dancers.” Clinics in sports medicine vol. 27,2 (2008): 329-34. doi:10.1016/j.csm.2008.01.001

Waddell, Roger K. “Chiropractic care for a patient with spasmodic dysphonia associated with cervical spine trauma.” Journal of chiropractic medicine vol. 4,1 (2005): 19-24. doi:10.1016/S0899-3467(07)60108-6

Lateral Recess Stenosis: El Paso Back Clinic

Lateral Recess Stenosis: El Paso Back Clinic

The spine is the body’s central highway, with the spinal canal as the main lane that handles all the traffic. There are entrances and exits, or spinal cavities, that allow the nerves to branch off the spinal cord and run throughout the body. A traffic jam develops during lane closures, accidents, or construction at an entrance or exit. Lateral recess stenosis causes the narrowing of the spine’s lateral recess/Lee’s entrance, which can compress nerves, impede nerve circulation, and cause painful symptoms.Lateral Recess Stenosis: Injury Medical Chiropractic

Lateral Recess Stenosis

The spinal column provides a strong and flexible structure for the spinal cord. The nerves travel from the spinal cord through various openings and passageways to the rest of the body. One of the openings is known as the lateral recess. Stenosis means narrowing. When a lateral recess in a vertebra develops stenosis, the nerve in that area can get jammed/pinched with no room to move, causing varying symptoms and sensations.

Symptoms

Depending on where the stenosis is taking place (neck, middle or low back), common symptoms of lateral recess stenosis can include:

  • Back pain that can spread out to other areas.
  • Cramping that can spread out to other sites.
  • Radiating pain that worsens with movement and eases with rest.
  • Numbness or weakness of the legs or arms.
  • Electrical tingling sensations down the leg or arm.

Causes

The National Institute of Health lists the major causes:

Natural Wear and Tear

  • Natural aging with gradual degeneration remains the most common cause of stenosis.

Congenital – Born With Stenosis

Disease

Natural Aging Process

Traumatic Injury

  • Automobile crashes and accidents
  • Work Injuries
  • Sports injuries

Treatment

Lateral recess stenosis has no current cure, but there are options to treat stenosis symptoms.

Chiropractic and Physical Therapy

  • A chiropractic physical therapy team can relieve symptoms, restore function, and strengthen the muscles.
  • Muscle groups around the stenosis area are built up to take the pressure off of the area, alleviating symptoms.

Medications

  • A doctor or spine specialist may recommend or prescribe medication to ease symptoms. These include:
  • Tylenol – acetaminophen.
  • NSAIDS – Advil/ibuprofen or Aleve/naproxen.
  • Muscle relaxers

Steroid Injections

  • According to a study, neurogenic claudication is the main reason for disability and loss of independence in the elderly.
  • Neurogenic claudication describes pain and weakness in the buttocks and legs during physical activity that originates from the nerves, not the vessels.
  • This can happen from inflammation and swelling around a compressed nerve.
  • A steroid injection can decrease inflammation for several months.

Surgery

If activity modification, NSAIDs, bracing, and physical therapy don’t work or provide adequate relief, a doctor or specialist could recommend surgery.


Back Problems Chiropractor


References

American College of Rheumatology (n.d.) “Spinal Stenosis” www.rheumatology.org/I-Am-A/Patient-Caregiver/Diseases-Conditions/Spinal-Stenosis

Arthritis Foundation (n.d.) “Corticosteroids” www.arthritis.org/drug-guide/corticosteroids/corticosteroids

Drug Design, Development and Therapy (2014) “Steroid for epidural injection in spinal stenosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis” doi.org/10.2147/DDDT.S78070

Lee, Seung Yeop, et al. “Lumbar Stenosis: A Recent Update by Review of Literature.” Asian spine journal vol. 9,5 (2015): 818-28. doi:10.4184/asj.2015.9.5.818

Liu, Kuan, et al. “Steroid for epidural injection in spinal stenosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.” Drug design, development, and therapy vol. 9 707-16. Jan 30, 2015, doi:10.2147/DDDT.S78070

Medline Plus (n.d.) “Achondroplasia” medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/achondroplasia/

Microspine (n.d.) “Endoscopic Decompression” www.microspinemd.com/microspine-surgery/endoscopic-decompression/

National Institutes of Health (n.d.) “Spinal Stenosis” www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/spinal-stenosis

Northwest Medical Center (2022) “Lateral Recess/Foraminal Stenosis” nw-mc.com/lateral-recessforaminal-stenosis/

NSPC Brain and Spine Surgery (n.d.) Lateral Recess Stenosis nspc.com/lateral-recess-stenosis/

Raja A, Hoang S, Patel P, et al. Spinal Stenosis. [Updated 2022 Jul 17]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441989/

Misaligned Uneven Shoulders Chiropractic Back Clinic

Misaligned Uneven Shoulders Chiropractic Back Clinic

When the body is correctly aligned, the shoulders are the same height, and face forward. Uneven shoulders are when one shoulder begins to raise higher than the other. It usually starts with a slight difference but can turn into a more severe imbalance causing discomfort, tightness, and pain in the neck, shoulders, hips, and back. Chiropractic treatment can bring the body back into balance and alignment through various techniques and therapy modalities.Misaligned Uneven Shoulders Chiropractor

Misaligned Uneven Shoulders

Several factors can lead to uneven shoulders. Misalignments can be caused by:

  • Often the shoulder on the dominant side tends to be slightly lower.
  • Constantly using one hand or side for everything.
  • Carrying a heavy bag on the dominant shoulder.
  • Structural issues or muscular skeletal imbalances in other areas of the body.

For example, if the ankle or hip gets injured, it can cause an individual to bring their body out of alignment to adjust to how they position themselves and move. Other common causes include:

  • Overuse of the shoulders
  • Tight upper back muscles
  • Unhealthy posture
  • Uneven hips
  • Pinched nerve
  • Weak muscles
  • Flat feet
  • Sedentary lifestyle
  • Varying leg length
  • Osteoporosis
  • Scoliosis
  • Shoulder injuries
  • Incorrect sleeping position or sleeping on one side
  • Sports like tennis, golf, and baseball have an increased risk of causing misaligned, uneven shoulders and posture imbalances.

Symptoms

Uneven shoulders can result in discomfort, tightness, and stiffness in the neck, shoulders, and lower back.

  • Continued tightness and pulling in the higher shoulder.
  • Rounded shoulders
  • Headaches
  • Head misalignment
  • Hip misalignment
  • Shifting pelvis
  • Bursitis
  • Tendonitis

Chiropractor

A chiropractic massage and functional medicine team will bring the shoulders back into normal alignment.

  • Therapeutic myofascial release massage will release tension, relax the muscles, and increase flexibility.
  • Chiropractic adjustments
  • Spinal decompression therapy
  • Stretches and muscle-building exercises to balance the shoulders.
  • Lifestyle adjustment instructions for switching shoulders when carrying bags, using armrests, using the phone, using a mouse, and using ergonomic chairs.
  • Posture training includes learning to stay aware of one’s posture throughout the day when standing or sitting and completing regular activities.
  • Learning to use the non-dominant arm to balance the workload.
  • Incorporating relaxation, meditation, and breathing techniques to relieve stress, tension, and tightness.

Shoulder Pain Treatment


References

Burbank, Kelton M et al. “Chronic shoulder pain: part I. Evaluation and diagnosis.” American family physician vol. 77,4 (2008): 453-60.

Foroozan Mahmoodi et al. The effect of corrective exercises on the pain and degree of uneven shoulder deformity rsr.basu.ac.ir/article_625_en.html

Mayo Clinic Staff. (2017). Stress management. mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/relaxation-technique/art-20045368

Mitchell, Caroline, et al. “Shoulder pain: diagnosis and management in primary care.” BMJ (Clinical research ed.) vol. 331,7525 (2005): 1124-8. doi:10.1136/bmj.331.7525.1124

Pu Chu, Eric Chun, and Kevin Hsu Kai Huang. “Bridging the gap between observation and brace treatment for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.” Journal of family medicine and primary care vol. 6,2 (2017): 447-449. doi:10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_52_17